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Gnerd
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# Posted: 26 Mar 2021 14:47
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I'm planning out a 24 volt system to route DC power to at least 2 buildings for LED lights, composting toilet blower, maybe a 24 volt well pump.
I've used Blue Sea breaker panels before and they're top quality. Nice backlit switches, easy to make sure everything is shut off when you're leaving, solid construction. But they're intended for marine use and the nice backlit labels say stuff like "anchor light" or "depth sounder." Not exactly appropriate for shoreside.
Anyone know of similar DC panels for shore use?
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Gnerd
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# Posted: 26 Mar 2021 14:51
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Oh, and by the way: Blue Sea also makes AC panels for marine use, but I'm wondering if a regular breaker box like you get at Home Depot is suitable for a shoreside inverter-based system?
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 26 Mar 2021 18:08
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Square D QO series panels and breakers used to be good to 48 volts DC. They were not marked as such on the breaker or the box, but the data sheets indicated there were okay to 48 VDC.
I have been told that the two pole versions are now good to 125 VDC. Again, not marked but the datasheets say so. Not sure if the single poles are now 125 or not.
You should probably check for the latest info for the current products to be sure they are still rated for DC.
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 26 Mar 2021 18:08
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I use Midnite Solar breakers now. They are DC rated to 150 volts.
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Nobadays
Member
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# Posted: 27 Mar 2021 00:01
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Quoting: ICC Square D QO series panels and breakers used to be good to 48 volts DC. They were not marked as such on the breaker or the box, but the data sheets indicated there were okay to 48 VDC.
This is what I use for my system.... 35 amp breakers. I can't seem to find the data sheet but I have it somewhere. For a 24 volt system I'm sure they would work great... depending upon your amperage draw.
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Brettny
Member
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# Posted: 27 Mar 2021 08:37
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It's only 24v why not just use fuses and a system shutoff. Breakers arnt ment to be switches anyway.
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 27 Mar 2021 10:42
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Quoting: Nobadays For a 24 volt system I'm sure they would work great...
They used to have a 48 volt limit, which made them unusable on a 48 volt system as they run at higher voltages, just like a 24 volt system runs higher than 24.
I also meant to state that as well as being rated for a certain DC voltage they were NEC approved for that voltage. That can be important if there is inspection and you have insurance.
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 27 Mar 2021 10:44
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Midnite breakers are approved for use as an isolation device, which makes it possible, legal, to be used as a disconnect or a switch. Nt sure about others.
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Steve_S
Member
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# Posted: 27 Mar 2021 13:39
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I melted (rather welded) two Square-D AC Breakers with 150 DC Amps after which I switched over to using the DC Breakers from Midnite Solar. Lesson Learned, no dual purpose capable devices, just not worth it for a few measly pennies (life & property have more value).
Seriously, stick to quality DC Breakers for DC Applications. There are some things that can be skimped on but safety devices are not one of them, well unless you like an unnecessary risk.
Fuses made by Eaton/Bussman (same company now) are reliable as are their breakers etc.. do not cheap out on those either.
All the gear you buy & install is only as good as the weakest component used. BlueSea makes use of Eaton/Bussman parts & components as well as other Top Brands which they support. None of their stuff is cheap knock off junk.
Hope it helps, Good Luck.
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Gnerd
Member
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# Posted: 28 Mar 2021 10:18
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Quoting: Brettny Breakers arnt ment to be switches anyway.
Blue Sea breaker panels actually are meant to be used as on/off switches. I may decide to go with them and live with some strange labeling or make my own labels.
Just to be clear: when I mentioned Home Depot breaker boxes, I was referring to the AC side of an inverter system. Not using AC breakers on the DC side.
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 28 Mar 2021 11:27 - Edited by: ICC
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Quoting: Gnerd when I mentioned Home Depot breaker boxes, I was referring to the AC side of an inverter system.
There is no difference on the AC side. grid tie or totally off grid AC should be the same parts from the service panel throughout the house. Where the power comes from does NOT matter.
On the DC side you might have problems using BlueSea or other parts that are not NEC approved IF there are inspections as well as problems with insurance if it ever came to them paying a claim that originated with a non residential approved panel or breaker. Just a heads up to be considered depending on your circumstances.
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